Rainer on Leadership

As churches grow, leaders often reach a tipping point where the senior pastor can no longer carry the full weight of vision, preaching, pastoral care, administration, staff oversight, and organizational leadership. That’s when the question arises: Is it time to hire an Executive Pastor? In this episode, Josh and Sam unpack what an Executive Pastor actually does, why this role has become more common across church sizes, and how to know whether your church is ready for one. Capacity is the trigger, not attendance: The need for an XP has more to do with complexity than church size. Some churches need one at 250 people; others may not need one until 1,000. Administrative strain is the warning light: When ministries are growing but communication, processes, and staff coordination are breaking down, the church is entering the “organizational gap” that an XP is designed to close. Is the senior pastor ready to let go? Sometimes, the biggest issue is the difficulties top leaders have delegating to an executive pastor. Room exists in the personnel budget: Some churches hire part-time, while others wait until they can afford full-time. Resources: “Leadership in a Chaotic World” by Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Chaney & Associates “Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (affiliate link) FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: If you’re feeling the weight of leadership in today’s unstable world, you’re not alone. Southern Seminary is offering a free ebook called Leadership in a Chaotic World—written by trusted faculty to equip pastors with biblical clarity, character, and conviction. It’s a short, practical guide from Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre to help you lead well in the midst of cultural pressure, spiritual fatigue, and ministry complexity. Download it for free.     Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.  We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.  We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission. Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.  Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.  Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.  Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.  Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers The post When Should a Church Hire an Executive Pastor? appeared first on Church Answers.

Many are tired of online worship. What happened? When the pandemic forced churches online, digital worship seemed like the future. Congregations grew virtually, and pastors reached audiences they never imagined. But five years later, that momentum has faded. The church is discovering what technology can—and cannot—do for worship. On this episode, Thom and Sam explore why online engagement has declined and how churches can find balance between digital convenience and in-person community. The Hype Has Faded: What began as a lifeline during lockdowns has lost its luster. Most believers now prefer in-person worship, with digital participation falling sharply since 2020. Screens Can’t Replicate Sanctuaries: True worship is embodied—voices, presence, and shared experience matter. A livestream delivers content but not community. Distraction Undermines Devotion: At-home worship competes with countless interruptions, reducing focus and engagement compared to gathered worship. Convenience Leads to Complacency: Online access makes participation easy, but it also weakens commitment and volunteerism. Digital Should Supplement, Not Substitute: Online tools still serve a purpose for the sick, travelers, and seekers, but they should point people back to the gathered church, not replace it. Resources: Upward Running Upward Sports Rooted Church Growth Services “Bridges of God: A Study in the Strategy of Missions” by Donald McGavran (affiliate link) “Revival of the Analog Church” by Thom S. Rainer – coming soon! Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Upward Running for Your Small Group Turn your small group into a community on the move! Upward Running helps adults go from the couch to completing a 5K together. You provide the run coach, and we’ll equip them with training plans, resources, and support to lead well. It’s a fun, healthy way to grow relationships, encourage one another, and experience fitness and fellowship together. Learn more at Upward.org/Runcoach.     The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is… A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose A sustainable way to launch groups An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship An opportunity to change the culture of your church Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample. The post Digital Worship Fatigue: Why Online Church Can’t Replace the In-Person Gathering appeared first on Church Answers.

Every pastor has seen it. Churches splitting hairs over things that don’t matter. Beard length. Carpet color. Playground equipment. These disputes may sound absurd, but they reveal something much deeper. Small conflicts are rarely about what they seem. Beneath the surface, emotions, control, and trust are at play. In this episode, Josh and Sam explore why trivial fights erupt in churches, what they reveal about church health, and how leaders can keep the small stuff from becoming spiritual landmines. Personal Identity Intertwined with Church Identity: Churches are deeply tied to people’s sense of community and spiritual identity. Even small changes can feel like a threat to “who we are” as a church family, or “who I am” as a person, so people defend the status quo passionately. Emotional Over-Investment in Traditions: Even small church customs can symbolize cherished memories, identity, or heritage—making change feel like a personal loss. Low-Trust Environments Amplify Small Problems: When trust is lacking, every decision feels suspect. Minor disagreements can quickly spiral into major divisions. The “Last Straw” Effect Is Real: Years of frustration can erupt over a minor issue simply because it’s safer to fight about carpet than about long-term dysfunction. Displaced Conflict: Members may have personal frustrations (marital issues, work stress, health concerns) that they subconsciously project onto church matters. The church becomes the arena where unrelated tension spills over. The enemy doesn’t need major theological heresy to divide a church, just unaddressed, unchecked minor conflicts that slowly erode unity. Resources: “Leadership in a Chaotic World” by Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Chaney & Associates FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: If you’re feeling the weight of leadership in today’s unstable world, you’re not alone. Southern Seminary is offering a free ebook called Leadership in a Chaotic World—written by trusted faculty to equip pastors with biblical clarity, character, and conviction. It’s a short, practical guide from Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre to help you lead well in the midst of cultural pressure, spiritual fatigue, and ministry complexity. Download it for free.     Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.  We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.  We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission. Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.  Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.  Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.  Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.  Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers The post Church Conflict: Five Common Ways Small Fights Turn into Big Problems appeared first on Church Answers.

Church attendance is both a helpful tool and a potential trap. Numbers can reveal momentum, but they can also distort priorities if leaders focus on counting heads instead of making disciples. In this episode, Thom and Sam unpack the healthy and unhealthy ways to measure worship attendance, and how pastors can move from chasing growth to cultivating spiritual health. Attendance Can Help or Hurt: Measuring attendance isn’t wrong; it depends on how it’s used. Healthy leaders use it to foster connection and track discipleship, not as a scoreboard. Healthy Metrics Drive Momentum: Lead metrics (such as invitations or follow-ups) are more powerful than lag metrics (such as attendance numbers). Focus on what your people do, not just what the results show. Consistency Beats Flash: Regular attendance and steady rhythms of worship build deeper discipleship than occasional big Sundays. Presence Over Performance: Attendance still matters, but presence matters more: engagement, community, and spiritual growth. Churches grow best when they prioritize people, not numbers. Track the numbers, but don’t make them THE priority. Resources: Rooted Upward Sports Brown Church Development Group Religious People Are Happier (And the Data Proves It) Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is… A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose A sustainable way to launch groups An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship An opportunity to change the culture of your church Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample.     2026 – New Year, Greater Family Impact A new year is the perfect time to dream bigger, reach farther, and make an even greater impact in your community. Upward Sports isn’t just about the game—it’s about bringing the whole family together. As you plan for 2026, imagine creating experiences that connect kids, parents, and grandparents in a fun, welcoming environment. From cheering on the sidelines to hitting the court or field, every sport is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen community, and share your church’s message of care and connection. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or even adult running, Upward Sports equips your church to reach families right in the heart of your neighborhood. All it takes is one passionate leader and a church ready to turn this new year into greater impact. Start today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers The post Does Counting Church Worship Attendance Still Make Sense? appeared first on Church Answers.

Most New Year’s resolutions focus inward on personal growth, habits, and goals. On this episode, Josh and Sam challenge church leaders to flip the script on traditional resolutions by making them about the people you serve, not yourself. Instead of trying to become a better version of you, resolve to make those around you better. Serve First: True leadership begins with serving others. When pastors lead by serving their teams and congregations, they model sacrifice for the mission—not self-interest. Simplify Work: Complexity drains energy. Great leaders take on extra work themselves to make ministry simpler and clearer for their people. Release Problems: Not every problem can be solved. Wise leaders discern which issues to release rather than forcing solutions that frustrate followers. Yield Preferences: Humble leaders don’t confuse personal preferences with vision. They invite others into the process and build collective ownership of direction. Recognize Pride: Pride is leadership’s silent destroyer. Healthy pastors set up accountability to keep their humility in check and protect the church from ego-driven decisions. Leadership isn’t about control. It’s about stewardship. This year, make resolutions that elevate those you lead, not just yourself. Resources: “Leadership in a Chaotic World” by Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Chaney & Associates FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: If you’re feeling the weight of leadership in today’s unstable world, you’re not alone. Southern Seminary is offering a free ebook called Leadership in a Chaotic World—written by trusted faculty to equip pastors with biblical clarity, character, and conviction. It’s a short, practical guide from Dr. Andrew Walker, Dr. Justin Irving, and Dr. Jeremy Pierre to help you lead well in the midst of cultural pressure, spiritual fatigue, and ministry complexity. Download it for free.     Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.  We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.  We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission. Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.  Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.  Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.  Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.  Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers The post Five Pastoral New Year’s Resolutions that Aren’t About You appeared first on Church Answers.

Nearly five years after COVID-19 lockdowns, the research reveals surprising truths about how Americans engage with church online and what that means for pastors and ministry leaders. While 91% of churches now livestream services, only about 14% of Americans watch weekly. Most online viewers are also in-person attenders, meaning livestreams tend to serve already-committed believers rather than reaching the unchurched. The dream of a large “online-only” congregation just doesn’t match the numbers. In this episode of the Burge Report, Ryan, Thom, and Sam give their key takeaways. Online worship is supplemental, not a substitute. Attendance in person is still twice as common as online viewing. Most online participants also attend in person. About 60% of weekly online viewers are regular churchgoers. Younger generations aren’t tuning in. Digital natives born in the 2000s are no more likely to watch church online than those born in the 1980s. Traditions matter. Black Protestants are the only major group with higher online than in-person attendance, while Catholics overwhelmingly reject online Mass. Commitment correlates with presence. Online-only attenders are less devout overall, and livestream participation doesn’t lead to membership growth like in-person worship does. The bottom line: livestreams are valuable tools, but real discipleship still happens when people gather, serve, and worship together in person. Resources: The One Year Bible Tyndale House Publishers Upward Running Upward Sports Ryan Burge Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: There is something powerful about walking through the Bible at the same time. When everyone is reading the same Scripture each day, conversations change. Hearts open. People feel connected—not just to God, but to each other. One Year Bibles are designed to guide readers through the entire Bible in 365 days. It is one reading a day, and by the end of the year, you will have gone through the entire Bible together—one body, moving in one direction, through one story. It is more than a reading plan. It is a way to build unity, deepen discipleship, and create shared momentum to know God and each other more. Perfect for small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other connection points. Find a One Year Bible for your community at TheOneYearBible.com.     Upward Running for Your Small Group Turn your small group into a community on the move! Upward Running helps adults go from the couch to completing a 5K together. You provide the run coach, and we’ll equip them with training plans, resources, and support to lead well. It’s a fun, healthy way to grow relationships, encourage one another, and experience fitness and fellowship together. Learn more at Upward.org/Runcoach. The post The Burge Report: Who’s Really Watching Online Church? appeared first on Church Answers.

The week after Christmas—those quiet days between December 26 and New Year’s—is often the lightest week of the year for pastors. After weeks of preparing Advent services, coordinating Christmas Eve worship, managing volunteers, and caring for members in a season that’s both joyful and emotionally draining, pastors finally exhale. This week isn’t about laziness; it’s about recovery. The adrenaline of December ministry fades, the calendar clears, and the phone stops ringing. Even the most active church members are traveling, resting, or spending time with family. For once, the pastor doesn’t have to be “on.” Josh and Sam discuss why this week is so light and so important. The Pace Finally Slows. Christmas is one of the busiest seasons in ministry. Extra services, rehearsals, and events fill the calendar. The week after gives pastors a rare moment to breathe. Fewer Expectations. Meetings are paused, and most church programs are taking a break. There’s little pressure to perform or produce, allowing for mental and spiritual rest. Reflection and Renewal. Many pastors use this time to reflect on the past year (what worked, what didn’t) and pray about vision and direction for the next one. It’s a built-in Sabbath for the soul. Family and Faith Reconnect. Ministry often demands long hours away from home. This quiet week lets pastors be fully present with their families, remembering that before they shepherd others, they’re called to nurture their own household of faith. Resources: Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Chaney & Associates Church Answers University FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church. You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church. This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry. Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders. Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity. Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges. Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.     Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.  We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.  We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission. Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.  Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.  Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.  Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.  Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers The post After the Christmas Chaos: The Lightest Work Week of the Year for Pastors appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Sam dive into Ryan Burge’s latest analysis of the 2023–2024 Pew Religious Landscape Survey, which asked nearly 37,000 Americans a simple question: “How happy are you with your life these days?” The results reveal one of the clearest and most consistent findings in social science. Religious people report being happier than non-religious people. While happiness is complex and influenced by many factors, the data shows that both religious belonging (identifying with a faith) and religious behavior (attending worship in person) are strongly correlated with higher life satisfaction. Online worship, while somewhat beneficial, doesn’t have the same impact as being physically present in a faith community. In-Person Worship Boosts Happiness. Those who attend religious services weekly or more are nearly twice as likely to report being “very happy” as those who never attend. The most frequent attenders—about 8% of the population—are the happiest group by far. Online Worship Helps, But Less So. Watching services online provides a slight happiness bump, but it’s no substitute for in-person connection. The data shows little difference in happiness between non-attenders and online-only participants. Faith Matters Most for Younger Generations. Millennials and older members of Gen Z who attend church weekly are about twice as likely to report being “very happy” compared to their non-religious peers. The “happiness gap” is strongest among these younger cohorts. The Relationship Persists Across Politics and Age. Even when controlling for ideology and age, religious people (liberal, moderate, or conservative) consistently report higher happiness levels than non-religious individuals. The takeaway is simple but profound: faithful community and consistent worship participation are powerful predictors of well-being. Or, as Dr. Burge puts it, “Highly active religious people are happier than non-religious people. There’s no other way to spin this data.” Resources: Upward Sports The One Year Bible Tyndale House Publishers Church Growth Services “Religious People Are Happier Than Non-Religious People” by Ryan Burge “The Real Facts About Online Church: Who Watches, Who Doesn’t” by Ryan Burge “Revival of the Analog Church” by Thom S. Rainer – coming soon! “Bowling Alone” by Robert Putnam (affiliate link) Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: 2026 – New Year, Greater Family Impact A new year is the perfect time to dream bigger, reach farther, and make an even greater impact in your community. Upward Sports isn’t just about the game—it’s about bringing the whole family together. As you plan for 2026, imagine creating experiences that connect kids, parents, and grandparents in a fun, welcoming environment. From cheering on the sidelines to hitting the court or field, every sport is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen community, and share your church’s message of care and connection. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or even adult running, Upward Sports equips your church to reach families right in the heart of your neighborhood. All it takes is one passionate leader and a church ready to turn this new year into greater impact. Start today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers     There is something powerful about walking through the Bible at the same time. When everyone is reading the same Scripture each day, conversations change. Hearts open. People feel connected—not just to God, but to each other. One Year Bibles are designed to guide readers through the entire Bible in 365 days. It is one reading a day, and by the end of the year, you will have gone through the entire Bible together—one body, moving in one direction, through one story. It is more than a reading plan. It is a way to build unity, deepen discipleship, and create shared momentum to know God and each other more. Perfect for small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other connection points. Find a One Year Bible for your community at TheOneYearBible.com. The post Religious People Are Happier (And the Data Proves It) appeared first on Church Answers.

Churches help prepare couples for marriage and rescue them when things fall apart, but what happens in between? That middle space—the “fine zone”—is where most couples slowly drift while everyone assumes they’re okay. The truth is, fine isn’t faithfulness. It’s fatigue. And most churches don’t have a plan for discipling marriages before they reach the breaking point. Sam interviews Brad Rhoads of Grace Marriage to find out more. Grace Marriage is helping churches change that by creating pathways for ongoing marriage discipleship, not just crisis care. The Marriage Gap Is Real. Most couples aren’t falling apart; they’re simply drifting apart. Without ongoing discipleship, “fine” becomes the silent decline that weakens families and churches. Marriage Ministry Needs a Reframe. Seventy-two percent of churches have no structured marriage ministry. It’s not about adding another program; it’s about treating marriage discipleship like children’s or youth ministry: regular, intentional, and mission-critical. Healthy Marriages Multiply Health Everywhere. When couples grow in grace, it transforms their homes, strengthens the church, and becomes a powerful witness to the watching world. The bottom line: Don’t just pray for marriages, disciple them. When churches invest in marriage health, everything else begins to thrive. Resources: Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Chaney & Associates Grace Marriage – FREE eBook, “Discipling Marriages” Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Episode Sponsors: The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church. You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church. This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry. Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders. Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity. Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges. Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.     Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.  We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.  We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission. Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.  Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.  Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.  Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.  Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers The post Unbelievable: 72% of Churches Have No Marriage Ministry! appeared first on Church Answers.

For decades, seminaries have promoted the ideal—full-time, on-campus study in a traditional academic setting. But for most adults pursuing ministry training, that ideal simply isn’t practical. New research reveals a clear tension between what people would love to do and what they can realistically manage. Theological education thrives when schools position themselves as a bridge between the ideal and the practical, maintaining depth and quality while removing unnecessary barriers. Sam interviews Dr. Andy Miller, from Wesley Biblical Seminary, about four key points shaping the future of seminary enrollment. Flexibility is essential. Students want fully online programs with strong asynchronous options so they can study on their own schedule and pace. Fewer than one in ten prefer entirely in-person classes. Timeline matters. Adult learners, most over 30 and many over 45, are looking for clear, accelerated paths to completion. Programs that respect their time with realistic workloads and transfer credits stand out. Affordability is non-negotiable. Half of respondents said cost is a major barrier. Creative financial solutions like payment plans and scholarships are key. The church connection. Theological education isn’t just about degrees; it’s about equipping people in the pews for ministry. By understanding what’s practical for lay leaders and pastors alike, seminaries can better serve the mission of the church. The takeaway: the future of theological education belongs to schools that meet students where they are—flexible, focused, and financially accessible—while staying deeply rooted in the mission of preparing faithful leaders for the church. Resources: The One Year Bible Tyndale House Publishers Upward Sports Wesley Biblical Seminary Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: There is something powerful about walking through the Bible at the same time. When everyone is reading the same Scripture each day, conversations change. Hearts open. People feel connected—not just to God, but to each other. One Year Bibles are designed to guide readers through the entire Bible in 365 days. It is one reading a day, and by the end of the year, you will have gone through the entire Bible together—one body, moving in one direction, through one story. It is more than a reading plan. It is a way to build unity, deepen discipleship, and create shared momentum to know God and each other more. Perfect for small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other connection points. Find a One Year Bible for your community at TheOneYearBible.com.     Bring the Game to Your Church From basketball and cheerleading to soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, adult running—and now pickleball for middle and high schoolers—Upward Sports offers leagues for every interest and age. Flexible and family-friendly, these experiences give your church the tools to engage your community, connect families, and create lasting memories. As the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, partnering with over 1,800 churches nationwide, Upward Sports is ready to help you launch a first-class, organized, and intentional league. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers. The post NEW Research: What Really Matters in Theological Education? appeared first on Church Answers.